The expectations are high for the Lipscomb Bisons basketball team this season and one of the reasons is the depth of the team.

The Bisons expect to be deeper and more versatile at the No. 4 and No. 5 spots this season. Center Adnan Hodzic, 6-foot-8, is predicted to repeat as Atlantic Sun Player of the Year, leads the way inside. He has spent much of the preseason recovering from an ankle injury.

“Adnan was diligent in working hard on his own while he was out,” Bisons’ coach Scott Sanderson said. “He worked out and spent time in the swimming pool and doing the things he was allowed to do to get better.

“He is improving and that is a credit to him. He missed the first eight-to-10 days of practice and he was out three months before that. He is not 100 percent but he is moving ahead. He holds himself to a very high standard.”

One of the more pleasant surprises is Justin Glenn, a 6-8 junior, who is showing the positive effects of intense offseason workouts.

“Justin has always been a good player, but he has been hurt,” Sanderson said. “He is healthy now. He has regained his confidence. The biggest thing for him right now is that he has the confidence that he can and should be playing.

“To his credit he worked extremely hard in the offseason. He was worked hard on ball handling. He has worked hard on his shooting. He has worked hard in the weight room. He deserves an opportunity to play because of his work ethic away from the floor. He has put himself in the position to be a major factor.”

Also making improvements heading into his sophomore year is Milos Kleut, the tallest player on the team at 6-10.

“Milos has definitely gotten stronger,” Sanderson said. “You can’t help but get better going against a guy like Adnan every day. He has been beaten up a lot in practice, but he is getting tougher.

“I expect him to defend and rebound. He is very active on the court.”

Michael Teller, 6-5, could play both the No. 3 and N0. 4 spots this season. Teller returns this season as a fifth-year senior.

“Michael makes very few mistakes,” Sanderson said. “He is always in the right spots. He is a very important piece of our team. He is probably the smartest player on our team.

“In the preseason he has shot the ball a lot better than he has throughout his career. He is a good rebounder. Against certain teams we will play him at No. 4 because he is so smart. I like him trailing the break.”

Brown, also known for his versatility, and can play either the No. 3 or No. 4 forward spots.

“A lot of times Brandon will guard the best perimeter player on the other team,” Sanderson said. “We flow well offensively with him in the game because he has a really good feel for understanding where to play and where he needs to be.”

Wright has been hurt and needs more work to get back in shape.

“Brian has been hurt,” Sanderson said. “We figure he will be back in the mix as soon as he gets back in shape.”

Fans can get their first look at the Bisons Thursday night when Trevecca Nazarene visits Allen Arena for an exhibition game at 7.